2016 Buick Verano Safety Report
2016 Buick Verano Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Buick Verano
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Buick Verano. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (58) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Buick Verano with 9 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Buick Verano before buying across this generation. |
Buick Verano Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Buick Verano years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Buick Verano | 9 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Buick Verano | 58 | 0 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
2016 Buick Verano Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Buick Verano, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Buick onlyPower Train
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Buick onlyEngine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Buick onlyUnknown Or Other
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Buick onlyExterior Lighting
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Buick onlyElectrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Buick onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Buick Verano
Reliability Score
The 2016 Buick Verano receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Buick Verano
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Buick Verano
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Buick Verano:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags And Seat Issues Reports indicate that air bag lights may stay on when a passenger is present or absent, affecting safety. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System Issues Issues with fuel system, particularly with hoses, lines, and fittings, have been reported, impacting reliability. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Buick Verano:
Issues with fuel system, particularly with hoses, lines, and fittings, have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2016 Buick Verano
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Buick Verano by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured February 16, 2016, to May 12, 2016, equipped with a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine. The engine fuel line assembly may be misrouted, allowing the fuel line to contact the surface of the engine.
Consequence: If the fuel line contacts the engine, the fuel line may wear, resulting in a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 54180.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock lever...
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Buick Verano
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Buick Verano with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
I am submitting this complaint to report a safety-related issue involving my 2016 Buick Verano. At approximately 112,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a major transmission failure that significantly affected drivability. Shortly thereafter, an airbag warning light illuminated, indicating a potential malfunction of the supplemental restraint system. An independent mechanic advised that the vehicle...
After consulting with a certified technician, I’ve learned this model uses the same 6-speed transmission (6T40) found in several GM vehicles, and that it’s widely known to fail prematurely—many as early as 100K–117K miles. There are dozens of similar consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and discussed online. These are not isolated incidents but part of a consistent pattern of early, costly failure...
The paint has severely faded, chipping, and it is not from environmental factors- I have less than 30,000 miles on a 2016 Buick Verano. There are multiple websites confirming other consumers have had the same issues with their 2015/2016 Buick Verano.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated that the doors of the vehicle were locking and unlocking independently, and the radio failed to turn off as needed. The contact stated that an unknown relay and sensors were previously replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated t...
Engine is known for bad piston rings and a poor emission ventilation system causing extreme engine pressure, blowback, and oil consumption. Engine stalled due to NO oil in it. No oil warning light appeared. Almost ran over two pedestrians as my car would not brake quickly enough as there was no power to any of the systems. And now I have to pay well over $6,000 to repair it? I JUST had my oil chan...
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side seat sensor failed to detect a passenger in the seat. The “Air Bag Off” and “Service Air Bag” messages were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage A...
When I start my car air bag lights on when a passenger is not seat air bags keeps light is on and when I have passenger next to me air bag is off. I took this car to dealership I bought they want me to pay $1720 to fix the system I only driven 42000 miles since I bought I had fully guaranteed paid for 5 years by installation to the company. I am not happy for putting my vehicle I do not wish to ta...
The side detection system got corroded as it was exposed to water. My airbags, turn signals, speedometer, cameras, blind spot warnings, etc. went out. This costed almost $2k to replace and get fixed when this could have been avoided if the side detection parts weren't easily exposed to water. Knowing that this could happen again as this is the way the car was manufactured does not sit well with me...
There are 18 complaints about the passenger airbag sensor that should have been reported as a recall. Buick issued a Special Coverage Adjustment notice for the passenger Presence sensor Reference Number: [XXX] Letter was sent to all customers; I did not ever receive it as i purchased this vehicle as used from the BUICK dealership in EL PASO TX. I recently started experiencing error messages with m...
- The side detection module became corroded, blew a fuse and stopped functioning. This was reported in a service bulletin and extended warranty protection for some GM vehicles, but not the Buick Verano. [XXX] - This happened while driving. The vehicle would still drive, but lost all gauge functions (No speedometer, tachometer, fuel, or temp gauges). -The side obstacle detection system does not...
Power Steering, Brakes, Turn Signals, Monitor Screen. The Cars steering will lock up and pull to the right hand side and the brakes get mushy. This could be deadly to myself and other motor vehicles. It happens suddenly with out warning and if there is a vehicle in the right hand lane, you will crash into it. I am waiting to take it to the dealer but prior to the steering and electrical, I told th...
Buick issued a Special Coverage Adjustment notice for the passenger prescence sensor Reference Number: N15202352 Letter was sent to all customers, I did not ever receive it. I recently started experiencing error messages with my airbags. Upon taking it to the dealer, the airbag sensor issue is related to the notice listed above. Because I never received the notice, I wasn't on alert for issues....
Fuel Sending Unit. Yes. Loss of power and control of vehicle due to no fuel. Mechanics have confirmed it as a common problem with GM fuel sending unit/pump No. No warnings, no lights, no indication of problem. I received a second pump and sending unit from GM and had the same problem for a 2nd time of fuel reading inaccurately and causing me to lose vehicle functionality.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat was no longer adjustable. The contact was unable to adjust the height in order to see over the steering wheel. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light remained illuminated; the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local deale...
Fuel level sensor failure. I haven't checked but I don't think a regular dealer would inspect for free because it's inside of the gas tank. The gas gauge gets stuck at around a quarter of a tank leading a sensible person to assume their is gas in the vehicle. This is a safety risk because your vehicle can stall in the middle of the road as it did in my case. You lose the ability to steer the vehi...
My car shut off while driving in a busy area. I was going 35 mph where the car just shut off while driving. I received a jump, but that only lasted long enough for me to get 2 lanes over for the car to cut off again. Myself and other drivers were at risk because someone could have ran into me and I had no power and unable to remove key from ignition or even turn the key. Police arrived but said th...
While driving home from work, my car, lost power a few times. Though, the maintenance malfunction light did come on, it was while the issue was occurring. I mention this because, in the car’s manual, it states that the light will come on BEFORE the malfunction takes place. I finally made it home, however, the car did continue to lose power while driving. The next morning I took the car to my mecha...
ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS ALERTS WHETHER SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OR NOT. SENSOR ALERTS CONSTANTLY WHILE DRIVING. IF THERE IS A PASSENGER SOMETIMES THE AIRBAG LIGHT ISN'T LIT NOTIFYING THE AIRBAG IS ON. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR NOT AND HAS HAPPENED MANY, MANY TIMES.
THE BLIND SPOT DETECTORS STOPPED WORKING AND A WARNING ON THE DASH APPEARED SAYING "SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM". THIS WARNING POPS UP EVERY TIME I TURN ON THE CAR AND THE BLIND SPOT DETECTORS DO NOT WORK WHEN I AM DRIVING.
SERVICE AIR BAGS IN THE SEATS COME ON EVERY YEAR.
Showing 20 of 58 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Buick Verano
Has the 2016 BUICK VERANO been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 BUICK VERANO has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 BUICK VERANO have?
The 2016 BUICK VERANO has 58 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 BUICK VERANO?
The 2016 BUICK VERANO received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BUICK VERANO?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 BUICK VERANO involve air bags (11 complaints), power train (3 complaints), engine (3 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, exterior lighting, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2016 BUICK VERANO have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2016 BUICK VERANO out of 58 total complaints (1.7% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 BUICK VERANO have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2016 BUICK VERANO out of 58 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 BUICK VERANO?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 BUICK VERANO.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 BUICK VERANO?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 BUICK VERANO. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 BUICK VERANO?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 BUICK VERANO is acceptable with caveats. It has 58 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 BUICK VERANO?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 BUICK VERANO are: 1. AIR BAGS (11 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (3 complaints), 3. ENGINE (3 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), 5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 11 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 BUICK VERANO?
Be cautious of air bag and seat issues, and monitor the fuel system for any signs of problems. The 2016 BUICK VERANO has 58 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 BUICK VERANO?
The 2016 BUICK VERANO receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 58 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Air bags and seat issues and Fuel system issues.
What are the known issues with the 2016 BUICK VERANO?
Known issues with the 2016 BUICK VERANO include: Air bags and seat issues, Fuel system issues. These are based on patterns found across 58 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any known issues with the air bags in the 2016 Buick Verano?
Yes, air bag lights may stay on when a passenger is present or absent.
What are the common fuel system issues in the 2016 Buick Verano?
Issues with fuel system, particularly with hoses, lines, and fittings, have been reported.
What should I do if I experience issues with the air bags or fuel system?
Consult a certified technician for diagnosis and repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of air bag and seat issues, and monitor the fuel system for any signs of problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Buick Verano
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Buick Verano. The data includes 58 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Buick Verano an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13